Hexagram 29: The Abyss (Water)

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 29 in plain words

Water sits above water. The trigram for water is a strong line held between two yielding ones, like a stream running through a gorge. Doubled, it becomes the abyss: danger repeated, a ravine within a ravine. Yet water itself shows the way through. It flows on, fills each hollow, and never loses its nature, finding its way around every obstacle. Tradition says that if you are sincere, your heart can get through, and your actions will carry weight.

In your situation, there may be several problems at once, or a danger you cannot simply avoid. The advice is to stay true to yourself inside, keep your nerve, and move forward like water: not rushing, not freezing, but continuing. Handle what is directly in front of you rather than trying to solve everything at once. Do not take shortcuts that lead deeper into trouble, and do not let fear become a habit. Repeated practice makes even danger familiar, so you learn its shape and how to pass through it. Steady sincerity is your guide; trust it, and you will come out on the other side.

The judgment

Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The representation of) water flowing on continuously forms the repeated Khan. The superior man, in accordance with this, maintains constantly the virtue (of his heart) and (the integrity of) his conduct, and practises the business of instruction.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Water flows on and on, filling each hollow before it moves ahead. Stay consistent in who you are and what you do, and keep practising and teaching until it becomes second nature.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first SIX, divided, shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within it. There will be evil.

In the abyss, you fall into a pit within the pit. Getting used to danger until you stop seeing it leads to misfortune: stay alert.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows its subject in all the peril of the defile. He will, however, get a little (of the deliverance) that he seeks.

The ravine is dangerous. Do not try to climb out in one move; aim for small gains and secure each step.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows its subject, whether he comes or goes (=descends or ascends), confronted by a defile. All is peril to him and unrest. (His endeavours) will lead him into the cavern of the pit. There should be no action (in such a case).

Danger ahead and behind, pit after pit. Do not struggle or push; pause and wait until a way out becomes clear.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject (at a feast), with (simply) a bottle of spirits, and a subsidiary basket of rice, while (the cups and bowls) are (only) of earthenware. He introduces his important lessons (as his ruler's) intelligence admits. There will in the end be no error.

A jug of wine and a bowl of rice in simple clay, passed in through a window. Plain sincerity and honest help bring a good end, even in hard times.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, shows the water of the defile not yet full, (so that it might flow away); but order will (soon) be brought about. There will be no error.

The water has not yet overflowed, it is only filled to the brim. Do not try to do too much; getting through is enough, and no blame comes.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject bound with cords of three strands or two strands, and placed in the thicket of thorns. But in three years he does not learn the course for him to pursue. There will be evil.

You are bound with ropes and shut in among thorns. If you have lost your way, the difficulty lasts a long time: recognize it and change your approach.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 29 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 29 in love and relationships

In love, this hexagram shows a difficult stretch, perhaps repeated worries or fear of being hurt. Stay honest with each other and take things one day at a time rather than reacting from fear.

Hexagram 29 for work and decisions

At work, you may face one problem after another. Focus on the most immediate task, avoid risky shortcuts, and let practice and steady effort carry you through.

Questions